VfH Social Media Post – 29th September 2026

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Yes you CAN volunteer!

Lots of people think they can’t volunteer when they can.

Asylum seekers are legally allowed to work and can gain community experience.

People on benefits may need to tell the DWP but volunteering does not affect benefits.

Organisations can often adjust roles to suit additional needs or put in place any reasonable adjustments.

Looking for a volunteer role? Check out Community Action Northants.

If you would like more advice on how to support volunteers on benefits check out the Volunteers for Health, Northants Volunteer Toolkit.

#VolunteersForHealth #Volunteeringforall #VolunteeringonBenefits

VfH Social Media Post – 22nd September 2026

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Lots of people think they can’t volunteer when they can.

Volunteering is a great way to get out of the house, meet people and increase your confidence.

Whether you have a disability, receive benefits, or are under 18 years old there are opportunities out there looking for amazing people just like you to sign up!

Looking for a volunteer role? Check out Community Action Northants.

If you would like more advice on how to support volunteers on benefits check out the Volunteers for Health, Northants Volunteer Toolkit.

#VolunteersForHealth #Volunteeringforall #VolunteeringonBenefits

VfH Social Media Post – 8th September 2026

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Lots of people think they can not volunteer but they can!

Including people on benefits (they may need to tell the DWP.)

Volunteering does not count as work, but it can help in finding employment.

Check out Volunteers for Health, Northants table on Volunteering on Benefits for more information.

Looking for a volunteer role? Check out Community Action Northants.

If you would like more advice on how to support volunteers on benefits check out the Volunteers for Health, Northants Volunteer Toolkit. #VolunteersForHealth #Volunteeringforall #VolunteeringonBenefits

VfH Social Media Post – 1st August 2026

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Lots of people can volunteer, including Asylum Seekers, Young People, People on Benefits and People with Disabilities.

If you would like to look for Volunteer roles look on Community Action Northants website.

If you would like more advice on how to support volunteers from all walks of life check out the Volunteers for Health Volunteer Toolkit.

#VolunteersForHealth #Volunteeringforall #VolunteeringonBenefits #Youngpeoplevolunteering

VfH Social Media Post – 25th August 2026

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❌ Myth“Expenses count as income.”

✅ Fact: Reimbursed expenses (e.g. travel, meals):

• Are allowed

• Do not count as income

👉 Out-of-pocket costs can be covered safely. This ensures people can volunteer without being financially disadvantaged.

#MythBusting #UniversalCredit #Volunteering #Inclusion #Community

VfH Social Media Post – 18th August 2026

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❌ Myth “You can volunteer as many hours as you want.”

✅ Fact: You can volunteer, but you must still:

• Meet work search requirements

• Be available for interviews or job opportunities

👉 Volunteering should support, not replace, job seeking. This helps ensure volunteering works alongside — not instead of — moving towards employment.

#MythBusting #UniversalCredit #Volunteering #Inclusion #Community

VfH Social Media Post – 12th August 2026

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❌ Myth “Volunteering counts as paid work.”

✅ Fact: Volunteering:

• Is unpaid

• Does not count as earnings

• Does not reduce Universal Credit directly

👉 No pay = no impact on benefit calculations.

Understanding this helps remove unnecessary concern and supports people to take part in volunteering with confidence.

#MythBusting #UniversalCredit #Volunteering #Inclusion #Community

VfH Social Media Post – 4th August 2026

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❌ Myth “You need permission to volunteer.”

✅ Fact: You don’t need permission to volunteer, but you should:

• Inform your work coach

• Record it as part of your activities

👉 Keep it transparent, not restricted. Being open about volunteering ensures everything stays aligned with benefit requirements and avoids any issues.

#MythBusting #UniversalCredit #Volunteering #Inclusion #Community

VfH Social Media Post

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❌ Myth “If I volunteer, I’ll lose my benefits.”

✅ Fact: You can volunteer while claiming Universal Credit, as long as you:

• Continue to meet your claimant commitments

• Remain available for work (if required)

👉 Volunteering is allowed and often encouraged.

Understanding this helps organisations and individuals feel confident about taking part in volunteering.

#MythBusting #UniversalCredit #Volunteering #Inclusion #Community

VfH Social Media Post – 21st July 2026

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❌ Myth: “Volunteering takes opportunities away from others.”

✅ Fact: Volunteering must not replace paid roles — this is a clear requirement in UK guidance.

Volunteers should:

• Complement services

• Add value

• Not be used as substitutes for paid staff

Check out the Volunteers for Health, Northants Volunteer Good Practice Toolkit & Asylum Seeker information sheet for more information. www.voluntaryimpact.org.uk/community/volunteeringforhealth/toolkit/

👉 Good practice protects paid employment.

Getting this balance right ensures volunteering remains ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. MythBusting

#Volunteering #GoodPractice #Inclusion #Community